Tour Details

Duration

13 Days / 12 Nights

Price

On Request

Destinations Covered

Chennai → Mahabalipuram → Pondicherry → Thanjavur → Trichy → Chettinad → Madurai → Thekkady → Alappuzha → Kochi

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Ancient Temples: Visit UNESCO-listed sites like Mahabalipuram's Shore Temple, Thanjavur's Brihadeeswarar Temple, and Madurai's Meenakshi Amman Temple.
  • French Colonial Charm: Wander through Pondicherry's French Quarter, with its unique Indo-European architecture and vibrant culture.
  • Chettinad's Heritage and Cuisine: Marvel at opulent mansions, savor traditional Chettinad lunch, and experience the region's rich cultural heritage.
  • Wildlife and Spices in Thekkady: Visit spice plantations, take an optional boat ride on Periyar Lake, and enjoy Kalaripayattu martial arts or Kathakali dance performances.
  • Backwater Cruise in Alappuzha: Relax on a private houseboat, passing through serene backwaters, paddy fields, and village scenes, with freshly cooked Kerala meals onboard.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Chennai – Gateway to the South

Experiences:

  • Welcome on arrival at Chennai Airport with a traditional South Indian greeting.
  • Check-in to your hotel and relax after your journey.
  • If time allows:
    • Visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple and San Thome Cathedral.
    • Enjoy a coastal drive along Marina Beach, the world’s second-longest urban beach.
      Overnight: Chennai
Day 1
Day 2

Chennai to Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram (Approx. 2.5–3 hrs) – Sacred Stonework

Experiences:

  • En route visit Kanchipuram, one of Hinduism’s seven sacred cities, known for its temples and silk sarees.
  • Explore Kailasanatha Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple.
  • Arrive in Mahabalipuram and visit the UNESCO-listed Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and Pancha Rathas.

Relax at a beachfront resort.
Overnight: Mahabalipuram

Day 2
Day 3

Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (Approx. 2 hrs) – French Colonial Charms

Experiences:

  • Arrive in Pondicherry, a former French colony with a unique Indo-European vibe.
  • Explore the French Quarter with mustard-colored villas, quiet promenades, and chic cafés.

Visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville (a universal township), and Manakula Vinayagar Temple.
Overnight: Pondicherry

Day 3
Day 4

Pondicherry to Thanjavur (Approx. 4–5 hrs) – Chola Dynasty Grandeur

Experiences:

  • En route, stop at Chidambaram to see the Nataraja Temple, a major Shaivite pilgrimage site.
  • Visit the UNESCO-listed Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur – a stunning example of Chola architecture.
  • Explore the Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery, known for bronze sculptures and Tanjore paintings.
    Overnight: Thanjavur
Day 4
Day 5

Thanjavur to Trichy to Chettinad (Approx. 3.5 hrs) – Heritage & Hospitality

Experiences:

  • Drive to Trichy and visit the Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam – one of the largest functioning temples in the world.
  • See Rock Fort Temple, perched atop a giant rock with panoramic views.
  • Continue to Chettinad, home to opulent mansions, culinary richness, and cultural elegance.
    Overnight: Chettinad heritage stay
Day 5
Day 6

Chettinad – Living Heritage of Tamil Aristocracy

Experiences:

  • Guided tour of Chettinad mansions – marvel at Burmese teak, Belgian mirrors, and Italian tiles.
  • Visit a tile-making workshop and local market.
  • Savor a traditional Chettinad lunch on a banana leaf.
    Overnight: Chettinad
Day 6
Day 7

Chettinad to Madurai (Approx. 2.5 hrs) – Temple City Alive with Devotion

Experiences:

  • Arrive in Madurai, one of India’s oldest cities.
  • Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple, an architectural marvel and active pilgrimage center.

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and attend the evening temple ceremony (Aarti).
Overnight: Madurai

Day 7
Day 8

Madurai to Thekkady (Approx. 4 hrs) – Into Kerala's Spice Hills

Experiences:

  • Scenic drive to Thekkady, through the Cardamom Hills.
  • Visit a spice plantation to learn about pepper, clove, and cardamom.
  • Optional boat ride on Periyar Lake inside Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Attend a Kalaripayattu martial arts or Kathakali dance performance.
    Overnight: Thekkady
Day 8
Day 9

Thekkady – Nature and Culture

Experiences:

  • Early morning nature walk or bamboo rafting inside the wildlife sanctuary.
  • Visit a local village or explore Thekkady’s market known for spices and handmade goods.
  • Optional Ayurvedic massage for rejuvenation.
    Overnight: Thekkady
Day 9
Day 10

Thekkady to Alappuzha (Approx. 4–5 hrs) – Backwater Dreamscape

Experiences:

  • Drive to Alappuzha and check-in to your private houseboat.
  • Cruise through the backwaters, passing paddy fields, coconut groves, and village scenes.

Enjoy a freshly cooked Kerala meal onboard.
Overnight: Houseboat (Alappuzha)

Day 10
Day 11

Thekkady to Alappuzha (Approx. 4–5 hrs) – Backwater Dreamscape

Experiences:

  • Disembark and transfer to Kochi.
  • Explore Fort Kochi, Jew Town, and Dutch Palace.
  • Watch Chinese Fishing Nets in action at sunset.
    Overnight: Kochi
Day 11
Day 12

Kochi – Colonial Charm & Artistic Vibes

Experiences:

  • Visit Francis Church and Paradesi Synagogue.
  • Explore local art galleries and boutiques.
  • Attend a Kathakali performance in the evening (if not yet experienced).
    Overnight: Kochi
Day 12
Day 13

Kochi – Colonial Charm & Artistic Vibes

Experiences:

  • After breakfast, check out and transfer to Kochi International Airport for your onward journey.
Day 13

Tour Inclusion & Exclusion

  • 12 nights in carefully selected hotels/heritage stays/resorts.
  • 1 night in a private air-conditioned houseboat in Alleppey (with all meals).
  • All meals onboard the houseboat (lunch, dinner, breakfast).
  • 1 traditional Chettinad lunch (Day 6).
  • All ground transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver.
  • Toll, parking, fuel, and driver's allowance included.
  • Toll, parking, fuel charges, and driver’s allowance.
  • Entry fees to all listed monuments and attractions as per itinerary.
  • Guided tours by local English-speaking guides at major heritage sites.
  • Spice plantation visit in Thekkady.
  • 24/7 tour assistance through the journey (on-call support).
  • All government taxes and service charges.
  • Domestic or international airfare/train tickets.
  • Any personal expenses – laundry, telephone, tips, etc.
  • Entrance fees at monuments, parks, and attractions (unless specified as included).
  • Travel insurance or emergency medical expenses.
  • Additional meals/snacks or beverages not mentioned.
  • Camera/video charges at monuments and national parks
  • Any optional activities (e.g., elephant rides, Ayurvedic spa treatments, canoe rides).
  • Early check-in / late check-out at hotels unless pre-arranged.
Testimonials

What Client's Say?

Taj Beyond India delivered the most seamless and soulful experience we've ever had. From the grandeur of Rajasthan to the spiritual serenity of Varanasi, every detail was thoughtfully arranged. It wasn’t just a vacation — it was a connection to something deeper.

Sarah & James Wellington, UK

Traveling with Taj Beyond India felt like having a backstage pass to the real India. We were treated with warmth, guided by true experts, and constantly amazed by the depth and beauty of every place we visited. Highly recommended.

Lena Müller Germany

I’ve traveled extensively, but this was in a class of its own. From private palace tours to wildlife safaris, everything was tailored perfectly. What stood out most was the care — it felt like visiting a friend who knows every secret of India.

Michael Chen Singapore

This was our first visit to India, and thanks to Taj Beyond India, it won’t be our last. We left with more than photos — we left with stories, friendships, and a deep appreciation for the country’s soul.

Elena Rossi Italy

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